Ok, I know this might be a bit of a long stretch, but if I don't at least put this out there then I might miss out on a possible lead. My friend and I need an apartment to rent, preferably in Chueca or the surrounding areas. She prefers San Bernardo, I'm flexable, but the other person who we will be sharing the flat with would be most comfortable in Chueca owing to his lifestyle choices. I'm as many of you know American, Petra's Dutch, and he's Italian (I don't know him, but he's a dear friend of Petra's and I trust her).
Details (this will read rather like a wish list); We need at least a furnished three bedroom flat, a kitchen with an oven, lots of natural light, and a washing machine. We'd like a balcony, nice sized living room, gas stove, dishwasher, a portero, and a lift. Combined we can afford 1000 euros a month rent, less would be better.
As I said before we could be in another neighborhood than Chueca, but Petra's adamant that we be in the center and I refuse to live south of Sol.
Any help would be appreciated. We've tried Segundo Mano and will continue to do so, but just in case someone knows of something. It's not 100% certain this guy is coming either, though she insists that he is so if you know of a two bedroom apartment, or a shared flat with nice people that have two rooms available for longterm that could work as well. For me it must have an oven though.
Many thanks, Bonnie
Posts: 435 | Location: Italy | Registered: 25 November 2003
Bonnie- sorry, should have told you some of this stuff yesterday when I saw you. I've been looking for something similar (albeit 1 or 2 bedrooms) in the same neighborhoods although for various reasons I've stopped looking for the meantime. FYI I did see two gorgeous flats in Malasaña which fit most of your specifications, except that they were both 2-bedrooms, no elevator, no portero. One was going for 900, another 1000, and they were some of the nicest flats I´d seen in Madrid. If you´re willing to move a little north, there seem to be LOTS of vacancies in the Chamberi area, north of Calle Sagasta, and prices there are about 20-30% less than in Chueca and Malasaña. You wouldn´t be in the thick of things, but still be no more than a 10-minute walk from Tribunal or Chueca- almost the same distance as from the San Bernardo area, really.
Posts: 132 | Location: Manila | Registered: 28 February 2004
i did get a good chuckle out of the "dishwasher" comment.
ok, seriously now, i have to agree with sunny. move a bit away from chueca and you will find it is more affordable.
a modern flat with 3 bedrooms like the one you have described would most likely be 1,200+ in chueca. MANY flats there do not have elevators, if you can do without one it would bring the cost down a bit.
also, imo, it seems a bit weird to limit yourself to cheuca for a guy who you personally do not even know is coming for sure.
smack me if i am prying but is it a question of petra deciding to live with this guy and not with you if you do not find something in chueca that suits his lifestyle?
from what you write it sounds like it is bordering on ultimatum
It feels like a Dear Santa list, what were asking. Obviously what we´d like is not necessarily what we would settle with. No, I don´t think it´s an ultimatum, but she´s in no hurry, I am. I like where I´m staying, but considering it´s Tetuan, it´s too expensive for what I´m getting. I just want to be settled and I won´t feel like I am till we are in a more permanant flat. Petra´s only major stipulation is that she wants to live within an easy walk to the center, hence her love of San Bernardo (we were spoiled before). Personally I´d rather have a nicer flat and still be central, but metro into the center. Chamberí sounds ideal for both of us if we can find someplace. I don´t even know him, and am not bothered either way if we live with him or not, though I´m sure he´s really nice. The major frustration for me aside from being settled is that all my stuff teaching supplies, at least the best ones are at Petra´s apartment in Atocha. If we are going to find someplace soon I won´t bother getting them, and wait till we find someplace, but if this is going to drag out I´m wondering if I should get them. This would mean opening and then later having to repack boxes, something I`m loath to do. Urgh!
Ciao, Bonnie
Posts: 435 | Location: Italy | Registered: 25 November 2003
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